Bantam chicks and nipple drinkers.

[thecatumbrella]

They've been great with the vertical nipple drinker from day one. I've tried to introduce a horizontal nipple at weeks 2 and 4 (so over the weekend), and it's gone so-so. Some chicks get it right away. Some will only get water after another one does the work of manipulating the metal. Some just bite the metal and don't seem to notice the massive pool of water they've generated. These are the nipples I use. They have a massive built-in collection tray and don't need much force to use.

Anyone have a timeline or tips for getting them transitioned to horizontal nipples? The bantams always seem to be a week behind a typical large fowl chick, but that's just a guess. Chick photo tax below (Poppy the d'Uccle).

 

[Debbie292d]

Poppy is adorable!

We do the same. I actually put the horizontal one in the brooder when they are too young, but they get used to it that way. These are silkies and they seem to get it at around 3 weeks. We still use the verticle ones for some adults, like in the broody jail.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Poppy is adorable!

We do the same. I actually put the horizontal one in the brooder when they are too young, but they get used to it that way. These are silkies and they seem to get it at around 3 weeks. We still use the verticle ones for some adults, like in the broody jail.

The little pompom heads on the baby silkies are IRRESISTIBLE! I have an opportunity to get some shipped in mid-May, and I'm torn. Mostly because I've never integrated before, but how hard could it be? Right?

The double waterers make a lot of sense. In the past, I've put a horizontal on one side and an auto-fill cup on the other, but I loathe the cups. The chicks much prefer the open water (so they don't learn the nipple), and it needs to be cleaned every 30 seconds. I'll try your technique!

Thanks for your help

 

[Debbie292d]

The little pompom heads on the baby silkies are IRRESISTIBLE! I have an opportunity to get some shipped in mid-May, and I'm torn. Mostly because I've never integrated before, but how hard could it be? Right?

The double waterers make a lot of sense. In the past, I've put a horizontal on one side and an auto-fill cup on the other, but I loathe the cups. The chicks much prefer the open water (so they don't learn the nipple), and it needs to be cleaned every 30 seconds. I'll try your technique!

Thanks for your help

I never really understood the cups. They are too shallow for ducks to use, and like you said, they need cleaning every 30 seconds lol.